E-commerce continued to boom in March with 42% growth over March 2020, according to new data from eStore Logistics, Australia’s leading E-commerce focused fulfilment provider.
The YoY growth represents renewed financial stability and consumer confidence as Australia passes one year since lockdown, continues to ease COVID restrictions and sees the end of the JobKeeper scheme.
In March E-commerce continued to boom despite it typically being one of the quietest shopping periods of the year
So who are the online trendsetters?
Well, the fashion and apparel industry in particular saw a tremendous spike with online orders growing by 137% YoY as seasons rapidly shifted and Aussies were quick to update their wardrobes.
The home and renovation sector also continued to boom, increasing by 75% YoY. Within NSW, rainfall for March was 154% above the long-term average — encouraging consumers to stay inside and feed their online shopping habits.
It is fascinating to look at State-by-state performance with Victorian shoppers increasing their spend by almost twice the increase of NSW.
Every state experienced YoY growth in online sales during March, with Victorians once again leading the way:
• Shoppers in VIC made 58% more online purchases than in March 2020
• Shoppers in TAS made 43% more.
• Shoppers in QLD made 38% more.
• Shoppers in WA made 38% more.
• Shoppers in SA made 34% more.
• Shoppers in NSW made 34% more.
• Shoppers in NT made 30% more.
• Shoppers in ACT made 20% more.
Founder and Managing Director of eStore Logistics Leigh Williams said, while March figures had slightly plateaued when directly compared to the past few months, they revealed a more permanent trend in E-commerce growth.
“March is typically one of the quietest months for ecommerce so this growth solidifies the fact that online shopping is a permanent trend and here to stay.”
“With JobKeeper ending in March we were anticipating consumer confidence to drop and E-commerce sales to follow as Aussies started to think about their savings.
“However, we saw quite the opposite. Consumer confidence is higher than it has been in 18 months according to the latest NAB report and eStore data reiterates this,” Mr Williams said.
“Last year was a very unique year in the ecommerce industry and we’re looking forward to seeing further growth in through May which will reflect yearlong trends following peak lockdown periods.”
